Improvisation in the museum? Absolutely not! It would be pure chaos, right? Or… could improvisation actually unlock new perspectives on museum work altogether? In a rapidly changing world, shouldn’t museums become more adaptable and flexible? Rather than lagging behind, perhaps by embracing improvisation, museums could lead the way in transformative processes—redefining how we connect with each other and how we foster empathy within museum spaces.
Elio von Galen, 2024
In many German museums, I have noticed a tendency to prioritize planning over action. Yet, I believe everyone could benefit from a shift toward a more action-oriented approach. To me, improvisation in museum practice means embracing flexibility, acknowledging mistakes, and focusing on quick, simple adjustments. It is about learning through doing, rather than over-planning. Rather than viewing improvisation as unprofessional, museums should recognize that constant adaptation is essential—and embrace improvisation as a valuable tool for change. It allows people to form emotional connections, empower themselves, and engage in co-creation. Improvisation fosters resilience and transparency, encourages shared responsibility, and promotes a mindset of resource-sharing. To explore the potential of this approach, I decided to use improvisation as a method for developing the glossary term. Instead of writing a traditional essay, I created a kaleidoscopic collage of images, text, and associations related to improvisation, drawn from our experiences in Berlin and Sharjah. This collage captures the fluid, multifaceted nature of the concept as it unfolded during our journeys.
Improvisation as a method challenges the hierarchical and elitist canon upheld by many Western museums. It encourages a continuous inquiry into the 'why' behind established norms and finding creative solutions by using what is already there
